More COVID-19 cases in Secaucus public schools has resulted in four schools temporarily shifting to virtual instruction, Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Montesano announced in a letter to the community.
At 2 p.m. on Oct. 26, a positive case of COVID-19 was reported at Huber Street Elementary School. It’s not clear if the individual was a student, faculty member, or staff.
“As we are conducting our investigation and contact tracing procedures, the number of contacts is showing to affect both Huber Street and Clarendon School,” Montesano said.
In an effort to ensure that all precautionary measures and staff complete quarantining, instruction will be conducted virtually for students at Clarendon, Huber Street, and Millridge Schools from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30.
“This will allow our district to sanitize and disinfect the schools as per our Road Back Plan, as well as allow the Health Department to conduct their processes and procedures,” Montesano said.
Secaucus High School and Middle School
In addition to Clarendon, Huber Street, Millridge Schools, Secaucus High School and Middle School are also going virtual this week.
At 2 p.m. on Oct. 23, a positive case was reported at Secaucus High School. The High School and Middle School, which are attached, shifted temporarily to virtual instruction from Oct. 26 to Oct. 30.
A week before that, both schools went temporarily virtual after a COVID-19 case was reported at the High School on Oct. 13. The schools were closed until Oct. 22 to sanitize and disinfect the classrooms, Montesano said.
Sports programs were halted until Oct. 22, with practices, games, and other events cancelled or postponed.
Clarendon School went virtual the week of Oct. 5, due to an individual testing positive.
“Anyone who has been determined to be in direct contact with the individual will be contacted directly by us or the health department as soon as possible,” Montesano said. “They will be provided guidance regarding the need to quarantine and other precautionary measures.”
In-person instruction?
Despite the shift to virtual instruction at several schools, the school district plans to shift from hybrid to in-person instruction on November 9.
According to Montesano, the district will continue to coordinate closely with public health officials and follow Centers for Disease Control, state, and local health department guidance to ensure the health and safety of all members of our community.
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